Youth, AI & the SDGs - Building Solutions for the Future
I took part in the Youth, AI & the SDGs dialogue at UniPod, University of Juba, sharing perspectives on how young people can use artificial intelligence and innovation to solve real problems and contribute to sustainable development in South Sudan.
On 2 October 2026, I joined young people, students, innovators and professionals at UniPod, University of Juba for the Youth, AI & the SDGs panel dialogue under the UNDP Student Ambassadors Programme.
The discussion focused on how artificial intelligence, digital innovation and youth leadership can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and support practical solutions in South Sudan.
My Perspective on AI and Innovation
During the discussion, I shared a practical view of AI based on how I already use technology in my own work.
For me, innovation starts with identifying real problems around us and finding better ways to solve them. In business, AI can help with creating marketing content, organizing information, improving communication, automating repetitive tasks and supporting better decisions.
The conversation also looked at how emerging technologies can contribute to areas such as education, entrepreneurship, health, climate action and the future of work.
Youth as Builders, Not Just Users
One of the strongest ideas from the dialogue was the importance of young people becoming active builders of technology.
South Sudanese youth should not only use AI tools created elsewhere. We should learn how they work, experiment with them, adapt them to our local realities and build solutions around the problems we understand best.
That means combining technology with local knowledge, creativity and responsible use.
What I Took Away
The dialogue reinforced something that already shapes much of my work: technology becomes more useful when it solves a real problem.
AI has enormous potential, but its value depends on how we apply it. For young people in South Sudan, this creates an opportunity to build businesses, improve services, create new tools and contribute to sustainable development through practical innovation.
Activity highlights
- Participated in the Youth, AI & the SDGs youth panel dialogue
- Discussed practical applications of AI and digital innovation
- Shared experiences of using AI in business and everyday workflows
- Explored the connection between technology and the SDGs
- Discussed entrepreneurship, education, health, climate action and the future of work
- Connected with other students, innovators and young professionals
- Contributed to conversations around responsible technology use and youth-led innovation